Roku Premiere
Score: 79/100
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is a streaming stick delivering 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos, plus AI-powered search and Alexa integration. It is limited by occasional lag under heavy use and only 8 GB of internal storage, and it relies on TV USB power. Best suited for cord-cutters and Alexa-enabled homes seeking affordable 4K streaming.
The Roku Premiere is a compact 4K/HDR streaming player that shines with a responsive quad-core processor and a voice-controlled remote. Its main trade-offs are the lack of Ethernet, an older micro-USB power input, and Wi-Fi 5 only. It's best suited for budget-conscious users who want simple 4K streaming without wired networking.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 8 GBbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 36 gbest | 45.4 g |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor Model | Quad-core 1.2 GHz ARM | Mediatek MT8696D |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | Wi‑Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 |
Audio(1) | ||
Supported Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, DTS | Dolby Atmos |
Controls(1) | ||
Remote Type | Simple IR | Alexa Voice Remote |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 36 g | 45.4 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D) (mm) | 36x17x84 mm | 38.6x17.5x141.2 mm |
Display(2) | ||
Maximum Video Resolution | 3840x2160 | 2160p |
HDR Formats Supported | HDR10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Roku Premiere for its unbeatable price-to-performance ratio, easy setup, and crisp 4K/HDR picture quality. They appreciate the responsive quad-core processor and the extensive Roku channel library, while noting the trade-off of missing Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 and a premium remote.
Everyday users love how quickly they can get the device up and running and enjoy the sharp 4K picture and compact form factor. Common praise centers on the included accessories and voice remote, while recurring complaints focus on Wi-Fi reliability, the outdated micro-USB power connector and the lack of additional ports.
“very very compact,”
“plug in HDMI, connect Wi-Fi, done”
“tons of fun”
Opt for the Fire Stick if you are invested in the Amazon ecosystem and want Alexa integration; choose Roku Premiere for a broader app selection and a more neutral platform.
Professional reviewers commend the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus for its lightning-fast app starts, fluid navigation, and AI-driven search that feels smarter than previous generations. They highlight the premium picture and audio quality from Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos, as well as the added value of Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming. Wi-Fi 6 is praised for delivering reliable 4K streaming even on congested networks, though reviewers note minor lag under heavy use and the limited 8 GB storage compared to the 4K Max.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the device's speed, easy setup, and high-quality 4K/Wi-Fi 6 performance, often calling it "fast streaming, easy to setup, great apps" and noting its suitability for small spaces thanks to the HDMI extender. Recurring complaints focus on occasional lag and the limited internal storage, but overall satisfaction remains high with users describing it as "perfect for streaming".
